Understanding what’s happening in Palestine shouldn’t require a degree in politics. At its core, this is a story about people — families trying to live, raise children, and survive under conditions that most of the world never sees. This simple, human-centered guide breaks down who Palestinians are, what daily life looks like in Gaza and the West Bank, and why global awareness matters now more than ever.
When to Say No: Knowing When to Pull a Horse From a Show or Clinic
Knowing when not to compete is one of the hardest decisions we make as horse owners and riders. There’s pressure—money invested, goals set, dates circled on the calendar—but the horse doesn’t understand any of that. Their job is simply to tell us how they’re feeling, and it’s our responsibility to listen. From subtle lameness to heat stress to uneasy gut feelings, this article breaks down the red flags, the grey areas, and the moments when stepping back is the best decision you can make for your horse’s welfare and your long-term partnership.
The Science of Horse Memory: How Horses Learn, Remember, and Recognize Us for Years
Horses remember far more than we think. Studies show they can recognize human faces and emotions for years, recall lessons after a decade, and form lasting associations—good or bad—through every interaction. Behind that ability is a complex neurological process where emotion, repetition, and reward literally reshape the brain. This week’s post dives deep into the science of equine memory—how synapses strengthen with consistent training, how stress interferes with learning, and what it means for how we handle and teach our horses.
Where the Love Went Missing — What the Ohio Starvation Case Reveals About Our Industry
Four horses were found dead at an Ohio boarding facility last week — starved, trapped, and surrounded by evidence of prolonged suffering. This wasn’t a tragedy of ignorance; it was deliberate cruelty. The images from the scene have shaken the equestrian world, forcing all of us to confront an uncomfortable truth: neglect doesn’t only exist in the extremes. From closed-up barns to overworked show horses, too many animals live in quiet misery while the rest of us look away. This reflection isn’t just about what happened at Pure Gold Stables — it’s about what’s happening everywhere, and what it means to truly love and care for the horses who give us everything.
Horses in Ukraine: War, Survival, and the Fight to Protect Them
Across Ukraine, thousands of horses face starvation, injury, and abandonment as war continues to disrupt every aspect of equine care. From grassroots rescue efforts to international aid, this week’s Dressage Discussions article explores the ongoing fight to protect Ukraine’s horses — and what we can do to help.
One Year Later: Palestine’s Enduring Strength and the World’s Fading Attention
One year after the October 2023 escalation, Palestine continues to endure unimaginable loss — and yet, the world’s attention has waned. Over 40,000 lives lost, millions displaced, and entire cities reduced to rubble. Still, the Palestinian people remain steadfast, rebuilding, teaching, planting, and celebrating life against all odds. This reflection looks back on a year of resilience, reminding us that solidarity is not about proximity — it’s about compassion that refuses to fade.
Understanding Stress in Horses: Cortisol, Competition, and the Hidden Cost of Confinement
Modern sport horses are some of the best cared-for animals in the world — but that doesn’t always mean they’re thriving. Research shows that limited turnout, isolation, and chronic confinement elevate stress hormones, suppress immunity, and erode welfare. This in-depth article explores what science tells us about equine stress, cortisol, and how lack of movement affects horses physically and mentally — and why riding twice a day is not enough to meet their needs.
Do Horses Enjoy Their Sport? What Science Tells Us About Equine Welfare and Performance
At Dressage Discussions, I write about horses, ethics, and purpose — and as someone who rides for Palestine, I believe every horse deserves a voice. This week’s article explores one of equestrian sport’s most debated questions: do horses actually enjoy what they do? Using recent scientific studies, behavior research, and welfare data, we look at what “enjoyment” means for horses, how it’s measured, and what it tells us about the bond between rider and horse.
Harvesting Resilience: The Olive Trees of Palestine
At Dressage Discussions, I write about horses, compassion, and connection — but I also ride for Palestine. This week, as olive harvest season begins across the West Bank, I’m reflecting on the trees that have come to symbolize resilience itself. Despite land loss, violence, and generations of hardship, Palestinian families return to the groves every year — because to harvest is to resist, and to care for the land is to honor life itself.
The End of an Era: The U.S. Army Phases Out Its Horse Program
At Dressage Discussions, I write about horses, welfare, and purpose — and as someone who rides for Palestine, I believe deeply in honoring every horse’s story. This week, we look at the U.S. Army’s decision to phase out most of its ceremonial horse units. The change marks the end of a historic era, raising questions about how these horses will be cared for, what traditions will remain, and what responsibility we share in protecting their legacy.
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